Inspired: People

Mark Twain

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Born Samuel Clemens in 1835, 'Mark Twain' was perhaps his own greatest literary success becoming a legend whose deeds far surpassed those of the man.

Well known for his stories of Tom Sawyer, Mark Twain also strongly advocated the use of "plain English" and clear, concise writing. He wrote in a 1880 letter to D.W. Bowser:

"I notice that you use plain, simple language, short words and brief sentences. That is the way to write English - it is the modern way and the best way. Stick to it; don't let fluff and flowers and verbosity creep in."

Clemens died on 21 April 1910. Halley's Comet was again visible in the night sky, as it had been 75 years earlier, when he was born.